Interface- and Defect-Engineering Routes to High-Performance 2D Nanosheet-Based Hybrid Electrodes and Catalysts

The monolayered 2D nanosheets of layered inorganic solids (layered metal oxides, layered double hydroxides, layered metal chalcogenides, layered metal carbides, and graphene) have attracted intense research interest because of their versatile roles in multifunctional nanohybrids applicable for renewable energy technologies. The monolayered 2D nanosheets of inorganic solids can be synthesized by soft-chemical exfoliation reaction of the pristine layered materials. A great diversity in the chemical compositions, crystal structures, and defect structures of inorganic nanosheets provides this class of materials with a wide spectrum of physical properties and functionalities. The inorganic nanosheets can be used as powerful building blocks for exploring high performance hybrid electrodes and catalysts. Since the crystal defect and interfacial interaction have profound influence on the electrochemical and catalytic activity of hybrid materials, the energy functionalities of 2D inorganic nanosheet-based hybrid materials can be greatly enhanced by defect- and interface-engineering. In this talk, several practical examples of 2D monolayered nanosheet-based electrodes and photocatalysts/electrocatalysts for renewable energy storage and generation will be presented together with the discussion about the relationship between chemical bonding nature and functionalities.